Luke Gardner
(He/Him)
Articles by Luke Gardner
Make the Yuletide Gay This Holiday Season
Tis the season to be gay! As we open our hearts and our wallets this holiday season, let’s give back to our community by buying gifts that celebrate our LGBTQ identities. Following is a list of my suggestions for LGBTQ-owned and -friendly places to find great holiday gifts: Queer-Owned Businesses Kiss and Ride — a gift for your partner(s) Located in Little Five Points, this sexual wellness store is an inviting and safe space.
As U.S. Politics Shift Right, the Lesser of Two Evils is on Full Display
The United States’ two-party representative democracy has always been a right-wing system, and this election it has transformed into its most dangerous form yet. For decades, the Democrat versus Republican narrative has dominated every election cycle, allowing candidates on either side to engineer narratives about the other while largely ignoring necessary historical and global context.
Roswell celebrates 74th Youth Day Parade
ROSWELL, Ga. — People filled Canton Street Oct. 5 to watch the 74th annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade and partake in the accompanying celebration at City Hall. The parade kicked off at 10 a.m. and showcased dozens of floats from local schools, kids' sports teams and neighboring businesses. Children threw candy from floats and decorated cars while others clambered to catch the confections. “My kids go to Vickery Mill,” Tierra Stone said.
Miss Vanjie Talks Animals and ASPCA
As fans prepare for the finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season nine this week, queens made history all season long by using the platform to donate their winnings to charity. One of this season’s top contenders is Miss Vanjie, who is competing on behalf of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Georgia Voice sat down with icon Miss Vanjie to discuss her love of animals and why she chose ASPCA. Hey Vanjie! How are you enjoying watching yourself this season?
Phoenix’s Dragnificent Has Transformed Atlanta Drag for 15 Years
Dragnificent is a drag competition that has shaped the Atlanta drag scene for years, creating space for all types of drag, platforming new entertainers, and helping launch careers to international stardom. The competition was founded over a decade ago by RuPaul’s Drag Race season 3 alum Phoenix. “It’s something I’m extremely proud of,” Phoenix told Georgia Voice. “It started as just this tiny little competition with the winner getting like $500. Now, we are about 15 seasons in.
Atlanta Prime Timers Keeps Older LGBTQ Men Social
The Atlanta Prime Timers is a social organization of LGBTQ men over 40. Founded in 1989, the group is the third oldest chapter of Prime Timers Worldwide, an organization created to provide social support for older queer men. “It’s a wonderful organization because as people get older, they tend to isolate more,” Atlanta Prime Timers Membership Director Jason Calvert told Georgia Voice.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center opens summer puppet series
ROSWELL, Ga. — Kids, their teachers, and families gathered at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center June 11 for All Hands Productions’ performance of “Three Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stuff,” the first show in this year’s Summer Puppet Series. “It's such an infusion of energy when kids come for the first puppet show of the summer,” Cultural Arts Manager David Crowe said.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center sets Summer Puppet Series
ROSWELL, Ga. — Five puppet shows are coming to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center from June 11 through July 13 for this year's Summer Puppet Series. The series features a different show and puppeteer each week. Every show is based on a children's story, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Jungle Book” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” All the puppeteers are returning fan favorites who have performed in the Summer Puppet Series for years.
Forsyth County School District unveils preliminary 2025 budget
CUMMING, Ga. — Forsyth County Schools Deputy Superintendent Mitch Young presented a draft proposal for the 2025 school year budget May 14, a spending plan totaling $714.8 million – 10 percent more than the current year. Young told members of the Board of Education that more than half the increase is due to state mandates for increased teacher pay and subsequent benefits the district must match. Even so, Young said, local residents should face no increase in the district’s tax rate on property.
Forsyth County offers array of summer camps
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Recreation Department is continuing the tradition of creating themed summer camps for kids 3-18. This year, a total of 176 summer camps opened for registration April 1, and spots are filling up quickly. The camps are each equipped with a specific theme, from studying insects to playing pickleball. The camp themes encompass four categories: outdoor recreation; dance; gymnastics; and sports.
Roswell Moves Festival celebrates 22nd annual Mayor’s Ride
ROSWELL, Ga. — Throngs of people gathered at Roswell Moves Festival April 28 to celebrate the 22nd annual Mayor’s Ride presented by Bike Roswell. The Mayor’s Ride is a cycling extravaganza featuring three routes and is followed by the Roswell Moves Festival on Canton Street. “We had over 400 riders this morning,” said Lise Walker, Bike Roswell board member.
Falcon Pride: Sitting Down with Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Dante Sanders
The NFL sent shockwaves through the football fandom when it opened the doors to male cheerleaders in 2018. That move towards inclusivity has since ignited the dreams of many talented professional male cheerleaders, including Atlanta Falcons cheerleader Dante Sanders. “As a male, you are held to the same standards,” Sanders told Georgia Voice. “We are not afterthoughts as males on the team, we are equals. The team is like a family. We are embarking on a journey all of us could’ve only dreamed of.
The Witch of Southern Light Sheds Light on His Spiritual Journey
In 2020, you may have seen a viral TikTok video about how everyday actions can closely resemble witchcraft, like blowing out candles or chanting rhymes. That was the Marshall, the Witch of Southern Light’s first viral video, symbolizing a new chapter in both his spirituality and career. Marshall’s entrance into the metaphysical started as a solitary Wicca practice in adolescence. “I discovered witchcraft before I knew I was gay,” he told Georgia Voice.
Atlanta choruses to celebrate women, nonbinary and transgender people
This story was originally published by ArtsATL. This spring, Atlanta’s Voices of Note choruses — the Atlanta Women’s Chorus and the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus — will use the power of song to tell stories about the rights of women and to celebrate the lives of queer and transgender individuals. The Atlanta Women’s Chorus’ “Sugar and Spice” show is a revamping of its “Good Girls Gone Bad” production, one of the chorus’ first performances.
Drag Icon Jimbo Dishes on Life After Winning ‘Drag Race’ and Her Upcoming Tour
Drag fans rejoice: Jimbo is coming to town! Chances are you’ve heard of the Canadian drag-clown-turned-fashion-icon and current reigning “Drag Race” All-Star. The drag legend sat down with Georgia Voice to discuss her journey and upcoming tour, Jimbo’s Drag Circus, which comes to Center Stage on March 16. Hey Jimbo! Hi. How are you? Good! It’s good to chat with you. You just got back from the Queens Gone Wild cruise, right? Yeah, that’s right.
Cabbage Patch Offers Families an All-Ages Drag Show
Cabbage Patch is a local drag show for all ages, one of the only local places where young kids can experience the colorful and exciting magic of drag through age-appropriate storytelling. The show recently held its first performance at its new home at Charis Books & More, which packed the space with excited families and attendees of all ages. “We had a phenomenal, sold-out first show,” show creator Aries ALXNDR told Georgia Voice.
Nine Tips to Make It Through the New Year
As we head into 2024, we must set ourselves up for success. Here are a few tips on how to do exactly that. 1. Declutter The bigger the mess, the bigger the stress. Shove all your things under the bed, pick up those dirty panties that have been on the floor since October — you’re a pig, no big deal — and get rid of those crop tops you haven’t been able to fit into since high school. You can also declutter your phone by deleting unused apps.
LGBTQ Atlanta’s Top Stories of 2023
As another year passes, members of Atlanta’s queer community remain resilient by fighting our oppressors and celebrating our wins. In 2023, innocent members of our community have faced police brutality, the murder of our trans siblings, and the political persecution of nonbinary people and queer children.
Artists celebrate 20th anniversary of Roswell’s Works in Clay Show
ROSWELL, Ga. — The 20th Anniversary Works in Clay Show is being held at Art Center West through Saturday, Dec. 9, and features works from around 50 local artists. Opening night kicked off Nov. 30, with hundreds of people on hand to celebrate the week-long tradition. Visitors were greeted by an intimate band outside before heading in the center to enjoy free food and wine while viewing thousands of artworks displayed in a museum-style showcase.
Artists celebrate 20th anniversary of Roswell’s Works in Clay Show
ROSWELL, Ga. — The 20th Anniversary Works in Clay Show is being held at Art Center West through Saturday, Dec. 9, and features works from around 50 local artists. Opening night kicked off Nov. 30, with hundreds of people on hand to celebrate the week-long tradition. Visitors were greeted by an intimate band outside before heading in the center to enjoy free food and wine while viewing thousands of artworks displayed in a museum-style showcase.
Massive crowd gathers for annual tree lighting
CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming City Center filled with hundreds of people for the city’s second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 18. The event included a Christmas concert at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater and the ceremonial lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree, which stands over two stories tall. “The whole hour is jam-packed with great music and lots of family fun,” Cumming Public Information Assistant Crystal Ledford said.
Light Up Dunwoody tradition continues strong
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Hundreds gathered at the Shops of Dunwoody to partake in this year’s Light Up Dunwoody celebration, which lasted from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 19. The celebration has been going on for decades and has become a staple of the community. “It’s grown over the years,” said Dunwoody Homeowners Association President Bob Fiscella. “We used to set up by the old farmhouse, but we outgrew that. This year is probably one of our biggest.
Light Up Dunwoody tradition continues strong
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Hundreds gathered at the Shops of Dunwoody to partake in this year’s Light Up Dunwoody celebration, which lasted from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 19. The celebration has been going on for decades and has become a staple of the community. “It’s grown over the years,” said Dunwoody Homeowners Association President Bob Fiscella. “We used to set up by the old farmhouse, but we outgrew that. This year is probably one of our biggest.
Massive crowd gathers for annual tree lighting
CUMMING, Ga. — The Cumming City Center filled with hundreds of people for the city’s second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 18. The event included a Christmas concert at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater and the ceremonial lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree, which stands over two stories tall. “The whole hour is jam-packed with great music and lots of family fun,” Cumming Public Information Assistant Crystal Ledford said.
ATL Jam, So So Def events on Beltline celebrate 50 years of style writing
Dozens of the city’s most influential graffiti artists created new installations on the Atlanta Beltline from Nov. 3 to 5 as part of ATL Jam. The event celebrated Atlanta’s history and legacy of style writing and how it developed as part of hip-hop culture. Hosted by Art on the Atlanta Beltline, the event took place at multiple locations along the trail simultaneously, with artists painting surfaces on the Southside and Westside trails.
ATL JAM and So So Def Walls events on BeltLine celebrate 50 years of style writing
Dozens of the city’s most influential graffiti artists created new installations on the Atlanta BeltLine last weekend as part of ATL JAM. The event celebrated Atlanta’s history and legacy of style writing and how it developed as part of hip-hop culture. Hosted by Art on the Atlanta BeltLine, the event took place at multiple locations along the trail simultaneously, with artists painting surfaces on the Southside and Westside trails.
Local art educator will paint mural at his teenage foster care campus
For over a decade, art educator Arshaad Norwood has adorned Atlanta with murals, but his journey to becoming the muralist he is today was far from easy. His newest mural project reflects his journey from a teen in foster care to a successful artist and art educator at Atlanta’s Westlake High School. The mural’s theme is “Loving People, Loving People,” and the creative process has been much more emotionally intense than his previous projects.
Traveling Quartet transforms folk songs at Roswell concert
ROSWELL, Ga. — The American Patchwork Quartet showcased its unique take on American folk music at its performance at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center Oct. 27. The quartet is a diverse group of Grammy-winning artists who interpret classic folk songs through a multicultural lens. At the performance, the group breathed new life into classic songs like “Beneath the Willow,” “Lazy John” and “Gone for Soldier.” “We are about a concept and a repertoire of excellence,” said band leader Clay Ross.
LGBTQ+ elders need specific resources to thrive - News Is Out
The aging process looks different for everyone, and for queer people, getting older can present specific challenges. Aging LGBTQ+ people need access to housing and healthcare that is both affordable and affirming, but discrimination and high prices make it difficult to achieve these basic needs. For the LGBTQ+ community, planning for our futures is key.
Alpharetta residents weigh in on short-term rental regulation
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta city officials hosted an open forum Oct. 18 at City Hall to discuss the possibility of regulating short-term rentals in the city. The goal of the conversation, which drew about 30 people, was to decide whether Alpharetta should regulate the properties, and, if so, what rules should be implemented. City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said the city is not setting out to ban all short-term rentals and that such an option wasn’t being considered.
Alpharetta residents weigh in on short-term rental regulation
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta city officials hosted an open forum Oct. 18 at City Hall to discuss the possibility of regulating short-term rentals in the city. The goal of the conversation, which drew about 30 people, was to decide whether Alpharetta should regulate the properties, and, if so, what rules should be implemented. City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said the city is not setting out to ban all short-term rentals and that such an option wasn’t being considered.
Today in street art: Arshaad Norwood’s journey from family trauma to life in art
For over a decade, art educator Arshaad Norwood has adorned Atlanta with murals, but his journey to becoming the muralist he is today was far from easy. His newest mural project reflects his journey from a teen in foster care to a successful artist and art educator at Westlake High School. The mural’s theme is “Loving People, Loving People” and the creative process has been much more emotionally intense than his previous projects.
Quartet’s multi-cultural roots to fill stage at Roswell show
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Cultural Arts Center will present “American Patchwork Quartet: Songs of America Reimagined” Friday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. The concert will consist of traditional folk music performed in the American Patchwork Quartet’s unique style, influenced by each group member’s cultural heritage. “You're going to hear songs you’ve heard before done in a really interesting and compelling way by a diverse cast of world-class artists,” band leader Clay Ross said.
Quartet’s multi-cultural roots to fill stage at Roswell show
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Cultural Arts Center will present “American Patchwork Quartet: Songs of America Reimagined” Friday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. The concert will consist of traditional folk music performed in the American Patchwork Quartet’s unique style, influenced by each group member’s cultural heritage. “You're going to hear songs you’ve heard before done in a really interesting and compelling way by a diverse cast of world-class artists,” band leader Clay Ross said.
LGBTQ Elders Need Specific Resources to Thrive
The aging process looks different for everyone, and for queer people getting older can present specific challenges. Aging LGBTQ people need access to housing and healthcare that is both affordable and affirming, but discrimination and high prices make it difficult to achieve these basic needs. For the LGBTQ community, planning for our futures is key.
Atlanta Vocal Project unites with noted quartet for performance
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Atlanta Vocal Project and the FRED quartet took the stage at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center Sept. 30 for their “Hot Time in the City” show. The groups captivated the audience with their a cappella singing, a love letter to the days of the iconic barbershop quartet. “The show is family-friendly music that spans genres focusing on barbershop style, from 1920s and earlier to modern Broadway and classic rock, to ’60s and ’70s pop,” said Atlanta Vocal Project President Zack Dunda.
Atlanta Vocal Project unites with noted quartet for performance
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Atlanta Vocal Project and the FRED quartet took the stage at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center Sept. 30 for their “Hot Time in the City” show. The groups captivated the audience with their a cappella singing, a love letter to the days of the iconic barbershop quartet. “The show is family-friendly music that spans genres focusing on barbershop style, from 1920s and earlier to modern Broadway and classic rock, to ’60s and ’70s pop,” said Atlanta Vocal Project President Zack Dunda.
Brew Moon Festival turns Downtown Alpharetta into dance party
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Hundreds of people partied on Milton Avenue in downtown Alpharetta Sept. 23, as the Brew Moon Festival returned for its 10th year. While dining and dancing under Saturday night’s shimmering half-moon, participants enjoyed various beers, wines and cocktails. Attendees could buy individual tickets or entire tables, which were set up in the street in front of a large stage.
Brew Moon Festival turns Downtown Alpharetta into dance party
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Hundreds of people partied on Milton Avenue in downtown Alpharetta Sept. 23, as the Brew Moon Festival returned for its 10th year. While dining and dancing under Saturday night’s shimmering half-moon, participants enjoyed various beers, wines and cocktails. Attendees could buy individual tickets or entire tables, which were set up in the street in front of a large stage.
Mural in Atlanta’s Cabbagetown advocates for revising the 13th Amendment
This story was originally published by ArtsATL. Painted on the front of the 97 Estoria bar in Cabbagetown, next to the Krog Street Tunnel, is the striking image of a man’s face, with one eye coveredby his hair and the other eye staring piercingly ahead. The man in the mural is Preston Townsend, a local poet and the artist who conceptualized the mural. Titled “Breaking News,” the mural is a collaboration between three local, formerly incarcerated artists.
Today in Street Art: Cabbagetown mural advocates for change in 13th Amendment
Painted on the front of the 97 Estoria bar in Cabbagetown, next to the Krog Street Tunnel, is the striking image of a man’s face, with one eye covered behind his hair and the other eye staring piercingly ahead. The man in the mural is Preston Townsend, a local poet and the artist who conceptualized the mural. Titled Breaking News, the mural is a collaboration between three local, formerly incarcerated artists.
Remembering Atlanta’s Stonewall, 54 Years Later
Perhaps the most well-recognized event in LGBTQ history is the Stonewall Riots of June 29, 1969. The riots took place in the streets of New York City after a popular LGBTQ-friendly bar, the Stonewall Inn, was raided by police and queer patrons fought back. While these riots galvanized queer people and signified a shift toward more radical queer politics, Stonewall is far from the only police raid that pushed queer people to fight back.
Gay East Point Businessman Mike Herring Considers Run for Congress
East Point politician and businessman Mike Herring has set up an exploratory committee to potentially seek Georgia’s 13th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House. Herring is an Atlanta native long involved in local politics, and he originally planned to run for East Point City Council. “Right now, there seems to be an intent to criminalize LGBTQ Americans and an attempt to erase Black history, in Florida and other places,” Herring said.
Newest Beltline murals shout joy, splash color, touch nature Original
This story was originally published by ArtsATL. It’s a safe bet that most locals know about the Beltline, Atlanta’s largest urban redevelopment project. Perhaps the most enthralling part of the Beltline project is the public art along its trail. Since 2010, murals have been painted along the trail as part of Art on the Atlanta Beltline’s Beltline Walls initiative, which finished its fifth wave of mural installations in June.
Queer Latinx Muralist Maite Nazario Celebrates Community Through Art
If you’ve ever seen the “Our Love” mural on the Atlanta Beltline, then you know the work of Atlanta-based queer artist Maite Nazario. The mural depicts two lovers in black and white with a yellow circle highlighting their faces at the center of the piece. The stunning artwork also includes a QR code, which viewers can scan to hear an interview with the lovers depicted in the mural.
Today in Street Art: Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail is home to three new murals - ARTS ATL Original
It’s a safe bet that most locals know about the BeltLine; after all, it is Atlanta’s largest urban redevelopment project. Perhaps the most enthralling part of the BeltLine project is the public art that can be seen along its trail. Since 2010, murals have manifested all along the trail as a part of Art on the Atlanta BeltLine’s BeltLine Walls initiative, which finished its fifth wave of mural installations in June.
Lifeline Animal Project Calls on Community to Help Save Animals
Lifeline Animal Project is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that works to end the euthanasia of healthy animals. Lifeline manages the DeKalb and Fulton County animal shelters and is the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia. “This is a big shift in animal services,” said Chief Marketing Officer Heather Friedman. “A long time ago dog catchers were there to round up dogs and bring them to the shelter.
Meet the Kings of Manhole
Atlanta’s drag king scene has grown exponentially in the past few years, and the king-centered show Manhole has played an integral role in that growth. As the city’s first monthly show featuring all-masculine drag, Manhole has filled a hole in the Atlanta drag scene. The show was started in November 2021 by king Mr. Elle Aye, who started the show on a quarterly basis as a way to celebrate and grow the local king scene.
This gay doctor established the world’s first trans healthcare clinic in 1919, but he left behind a complicated legacy
Magnus Hirschfeld was a gay activist and doctor who established the first known transgender healthcare clinic in Berlin in 1919. The Institute for Sexual Science was a place where queer people could learn about themselves and heal both physically and emotionally. Hirschfeld, a pioneer of transgender rights and advocate for the acceptance of trans and intersex people, used the clinic to establish safe and gender-affirming transgender healthcare.
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